Athlone Regional Sports Centre. Photo: Ann Hennessy

Funding boost for astro turf pitch at Athlone Regional Sports Centre

Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has announced a significant funding boost for Athlone's Regional Sports Centre. 

The Ballymahon Road facility has been allocated €95,900 which will go towards a new astro turf pitch that will benefit all sports but in particular the local hockey club.

"This is great news for the centre and comes upon the major funding announcement last July when it received €780,000 under the Outdoor and Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2017 to develop an outdoor recreation park," said Minister Moran.

"This latest round of funding places Athlone Regional Sports Centre places the facility at the very top of such centres in the country."

In addition, €107,000 was allocated to Longford County Council for an extension to Longford Sports & Leisure Centre at the Mall Complex in Longford town. This money is to go towards extending the existing leisure centre building to incorporate a new sports hall and gym, together with a new coffee dock.

Funding for both projects is being allocated under a regional projects funding programme, operated under the auspices of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The programme focuses on projects that benefit wider regions around the country.

“I would like to thank Minister Shane Ross and Minister of State Brendan Griffin, and all at the Department for the awarding of these very important grants,” Minister Moran said.